In 1997 Nick, Ed’s son and an aspiring musician bought Shippy’s from his father and continued running the German pub with its beloved staff until 2022 when he sold the restaurant to John Betts. John is a Southampton Local who decided to return to his hometown after a 30-year career in Mcdonald’s. He is committed to preserving the legacy of Shippy’s and giving back to his hometown.

During the Nielsen era, Shippy’s became renowned not only for its great food but also for its iconic decor. The establishment boasted a distinctive red tartan carpet, adorned walls showcasing Shinnecock golf club memorabilia and Hampton classics posters (Henry Koheler, the artist of many of them, was a frequent patron of both 7) hung atop wood-paneled walls: intimate ambiance was enhanced by dim, cozy lighting, Maroon banquets, and Tiffany-style chandeliers that welcomed guests 365 days a year.

In 1978, Casgrain sold the restaurant to Ed Nielsen, a German-born deli owner. Nielsen merged the names and menus with his Northport restaurant, Pumpernickel. He revamped the menu to include many classic German staples, including an impressive variety of schnitzels. Shippy’s quickly became synonymous with cozy winter evenings, where locals sought refuge from the cold and indulged in hearty sauerbraten and sizzling steaks.

Shippy’s was founded in 1954 by William Casgrain, a former United States Marine and beloved bartender at the famous Toots Shor bar in New York City. At Toots Shor, he established a list of impressive clientele, including Frank Sinatra and Joe DiMaggio, among others. In 1954 he settled out east to open Shippy’s.

In Southampton, he succeeded in creating a lively hangout that hosted many celebrities, artists, and East-end locals. From Jackie Gleason to Garry Cooper Shippy’s cemented itself as the place to be.